KAVANAGH, Aidan Joseph

He was a nice man. He was an Irishman who embraced Canada as his home since 1954. He loved his family, downhill skiing and his farm. He will be missed by all as he had an indomitable spirit, a wry sense of humor and was a courageous linguist. Aidan had a clear sense of reality and a willingness to communicate his take on all things. In his career, he ran a full pediatric practice with a focus on advocating preventative allergy treatment in Calgary.

He is survived by his loving wife Maryann, their five children, Sandy and her husband Mark Thygesen of Edmonton, Carol and her husband Michael Mannas of Calgary, Jim and his wife Jill Kavanagh of Tampa, FL, Katherine and her husband Mark Lesack of Vancouver, Joanne and her husband Dave Dial of Calgary, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Kennedy and Susan Wain of Ireland.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1307 – 14 Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire donations may be made directly to the charity of your choice.

Condolence Messages

Dr. Kavanagh was a wonderful doctor who treated his patients with respect, kindness and humour. Moreover, he counselled parents with understanding in regard to their concerns for their children. My daughter, Nancy, is alive today because of him. I will always be thankful for the man with a nimbus of curly hair and the soft sound of Ireland on his tongue.

Dear Kavanagh Family
Our family benefited so much from the kind and compassionate care Dr. Kavanagh provided to our children. He was so far ahead of many physicians in regard to addressing allergies in young children. I dare say he played an instrumental part in the health of our sons. Our thoughts are with you. Joan and Ashton Embry

Dear Mrs. Kavanagh & family,
Our 3 daughters were the recipients of Dr. Kavanagh’s counselling from birth to teen-age. We are grateful for his care and attention during those years. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Aidan always greeted us with a warm smile and vigorous handshake, an effusive declaration of the active, accomplished, and vital man he was. The Dundas family will truly miss Aidan and our thoughts are with all the Kavanagh family through this tough time.
Keith, Barb and the boys

I was sad to read of Dr. Kavanagh’s passing. Truly he was a nice man but additionally he was kind, compassionate, empathic and a gifted doctor. He took care of my three daughters-all with skin allergies and asthma plus their other health concerns such as staph infection of the bowel,epilepsy and non-typical whooping cough even though the child’s required vaccination had been completed.I vividly remember his words, “Mother, God gives these children to mothers like you who have the ability to care for them. “What heartening support to a stressed individual!My sincere thanks to Dr. Kavanagh and regards to all his family.

Dr. Kavanagh’s medical brilliance in childhood allergies was delivered with such empathy, common sense and courtesy that made a ‘doctor’s visit a pleasant experience for both child and mom. It was a pleasure to hear his lovely Irish brogue. He never prescribed medication casually and one always felt this doctor was well informed. And yes, he was indeed a nice man. Although our children are now in their 50s, we still have many good memories of Dr. Kavanagh.

We are sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Kavanagh’s commitment to his family and patients, and his enthusiasm and wisdom will be missed greatly.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mark and Helen Montgomery

Joanne and Family
Our sincere sympathy and prayers to you and your family on the death of your father and grandfather. I remember well his Irish wit and the twinkle in his eyes, along with a very deep faith.